Discover how London’s housing has evolved throughout the decades with our interactive tool

London has grown exponentially as it’s evolved into the megacity we know today. The 32 boroughs that make up this thriving metropolis are unique in their own right and from a historical perspective, each one has a notable and unique story. From the luxurious pre-1900 houses and garden squares in Knightsbridge, to the housing expansion and regeneration around Canary Wharf in recent years, London’s homes are as diverse as its inhabitants.

With this in mind, Knight Frank is pleased to launch a new, interactive report aimed at sharing unique insight into the Capital’s housing history for both residents and visitors alike. Our interactive tool uses housing data from the past 120 years, to visualise 14 unique stories connected to some of the Capital’s most notable areas. These boroughs showcase the dramatic changes in that area, while also highlighting their significance to the overall landscape of London’s housing.

To begin, click on an area or select a borough from the drop-down list.

Understand and compare complex data with our helpful infographics and read the full narrative to learn all about each London borough.

Housing Stock in Barking & Dagenham

During the ten years between 1919 and 1929, 39.66% of Barking and Dagenham’s housing was built.

Age of Housing Stock in

1919-1929 39.66%

Pre 1900 1.24%

1900-1918 3.19%

1919-1929 39.66%

1930-1939 16.64%

1945-1954 9.26%

1955-1964 6.21%

1965-1972 6.56%

1973-1982 2.43%

1983-1992 2.40%

1993-1999 3.79%

2000-2009 6.48%

2010-2014 2.06%

"One of the area’s most famous public housing developments, the Beacontree Estate, is made up of over 27,000 homes and is spread across 10km."

This spike in housing development was a direct result of the ‘Homes fit for Heroes’ initiative implemented in the wake of the First World War.

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Addison’s eponymous ‘Addison Act’ was a turning point in the provision of corporation (council) housing as its legislation made housing a national and social responsibility. This tasked local authorities with developing new housing and rented accommodation where needed by working people. One of the area’s most famous public housing developments, the Beacontree Estate, is made up of over 27,000 homes and is spread across 10km. Constructed during the interwar period, Beacontree was once considered the largest public housing estate in the world.

21st Century property development

Situated at the edge of Barking town centre, the Northern section of the Fresh Wharf Estate will provide 950 new homes in a mixed use development once complete. Additionally, the Barking Riverside development is expected to provide 10,800 homes, including family homes and riverside apartments, across the whole site once finished.